Shimla gets dressed to the nines for Diwali

As Diwali approaches, all the shops on the Mall start to put up their decorations. The most popular are strings of marigolds and garlands of silk flowers. These are hung from awnings, over shop windows, and around signs.

Several shops also put up fairy lights, which twinkle through the evening till the shop closes.

The more high-end shops, particularly the ones that sell jewelry, get especially decked out. One encircled its sign in imported fresh flowers, including gerber daisies, orchids, and roses. Another hung a fancy banner with Ganesh, Lakshmi, and swastiks, as well as a garland with silk flowers, plastic beads, sparkly pom-poms, and golden baubles with Ganesh and “om” on them. In the shop window, a diamond engagement ring sat rotating on a pedestal covered in little electric puja candles.

 

 

 The fountains in the public areas, which typically are shut down, flow freely in celebration, and some even shine bright with festive lights.

At the internet café we go to, the shop’s little mandir was decorated, too, with fairy lights, marigolds, and a tinsel-edged banner.

Even our hotel was, of course, in the spirit – especially since the owner and his family live there. A large sticker in the shape of the traditional rangoli (typically made with colored sand) was put on the front stoop. Then, upon returning from a late lunch on Diwali, we found little feet painted on each of the stairs in the hotel, representing Lakshmi’s footprints.

That night, we listened as the children of the owner giggled and shrieked as they set off firecrackers outside the entrance to the hotel, right under our window.

Happy Diwali, everyone, and happy new year!